Photovoice: A Method to Interrogate Positionality and Critical Reflexivity

Abstract

Photovoice is a visual method for interrogating subjective perspectives. Rather than solely relying on investigator-developed tools, photovoice allows participants to inform research by “showing” their lived realities through photographs, resulting in a more collaborative, inclusive, and community-informed process. Though applicable to a wide range of social science research, photovoice remains relatively underutilized, especially as a tool for interrogating reflexivity. Given its power to reveal the unseen, this paper considers the potential for photovoice as a self-reflexive tool by turning the lens towards the investigator. Though typically used by the researcher to enhance transparency and navigate power differentials in community-based participatory research, photovoice may also be an exercise in reflexivity. What hidden biases and assumptions might all investigators have that could be revealed through this process? Investigating photovoice as a means for self-inquiry is considered alongside calls emphasizing a need to center research inclusivity, positionality, and critical reflection in the research process. Implications for future research and training are discussed.